Angela Canterbury

Director of Public Policy

Angela Canterbury, Director of Public Policy, is an experienced advocate, policy analyst, and public campaign strategist. Angela advances public policies to combat corruption and to promote openness and accountability in government. She has been instrumental in efforts that have improved the financial regulatory system, lobbying and congressional ethics rules, whistleblower protections, the Freedom of Information Act, and other open government initiatives. She has testified before Congress and been quoted or appeared in several news outlets. Prior to joining POGO, Angela served as the director of advocacy for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division, and before that she worked with the League of Women Voters of the U.S. Prior to that she worked with democracy and civil society programs in Ukraine, and was formerly a campaign manager and political consultant. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, with honors and distinction.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) spied on whistleblowers—resulting in this hearing after significant media attention, statements and letters from concerned members of Congress, reports by my organization, lawsuits, and investigations by the Office of Special Counsel, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General, as well as the staff report for Chairman Issa and Senator Grassley, anticipated to be released in conjunction with this hearing.

Last June, we learned that the U.S. government was spying on Americans. Since then, we have learned much more, such as that the NSA’s bulk collection of Americans’ communications by Americans has not been essential to preventing terrorist attacks and that the system of oversight for intelligence activities is broken.

POGO's Angela Canterbury testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee about a devastating court decision that stripped federal employees in national security sensitive positions of their right to appeal an adverse personnel action.

Indeed, national security claims threaten to engulf our government, and with cruel irony, make us less safe. In August of this year, a devastating court decision stripped federal employees in national security sensitive positions of their right to appeal an adverse personnel action—setting the stage to also strip due process rights for actions that are discriminatory or in retaliation for whistleblowing.

A group of transparency organizations writes the United States Government to urge greater transparency around national security-related requests to Internet, telephone, and web-based service providers for information about their users and subscribers.

I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Section 552. Please provide records that have been provided to or maintained by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) or for ODNI by a government contractor in any format, including an electronic format, which is preferred, if available.

I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. Section 552. Please provide records that are maintained by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or for OPM by a government contractor in any format, including an electronic format, which is preferred, if available.

Legislation introduced Thursday by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) would strengthen military whistleblower protections and shield victims of sexual assault from reprisals. These much needed protections are long overdue.

POGO and partners urge Senators to oppose Grassley's amendments (901, 1011, and 1097) to the Farm Bill (S. 954) that would undermine the Freedom of Information Act by creating an unnecessary secrecy provision.

The undersigned organizations, which support greater openness in government, urge you to promptly establish and provide active White House leadership for a Security Classification Reform Steering Committee to help correct what you have called “the problem of overclassification.”

It is particularly a pleasure to be here again during “Sunshine Week” when we promote open government and celebrate “sunshine laws” such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Unfortunately, I cannot say that there has been tremendous progress on government openness since I last testified before you on this subject two years ago. The state of openness in our government is not simply put—it is complex and rife with contradictions.

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to thank you and share our support for your work to hold agencies accountable for implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Your February 4th, 2013 letter to the Office of Information Policy at
the Department of Justice poses important questions regarding OIP’s role in government-wide FOIA policy implementation, compliance, and enforcement.

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to ask you to bring renewed attention to issues that continue to plague government-wide implementation, compliance, and enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

President Obama signed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743) into law today, marking the finale of a more than decade-long campaign by the Make It Safe Coalition to restore and modernize federal whistleblower protections. The President’s unwavering support of the WPEA, paired with Congress’ sweeping endorsement by unanimous consent, demonstrates the strong mandate for a new day of accountability in the federal government.

We the undersigned organizations write with our strong support for Amendment 2942 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), introduced by Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Based on the Non-Federal Employee Whistleblower Protection Act of 2011 (S. 241, H.R. 6406), this amendment would bridge the wide gaps in current coverage and comprehensively apply best-practice whistleblower protections to all federal fund recipient employees.

President Obama signed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743) into law today, marking the finale of a more than decade-long campaign by the Make It Safe Coalition to restore and modernize federal whistleblower protections. The President’s unwavering support of the WPEA, paired with Congress’ sweeping endorsement by unanimous consent, demonstrates the strong mandate for a new day of accountability in the federal government. These reforms expand protections for federal employees who disclose wrongdoing and protect the public trust.

The undersigned organizations, concerned with government openness and accountability, are writing to thank you for delaying floor action on the Intelligence Authorization Bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013. We share Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-Ore) concerns about provisions included in the package intended to address the leaks of highly classified information (Title V), and support his effort to see that the bill is not passed without thoughtful debate and amendment.

Finally—after more than a decade of advocacy—Congress has enacted better protections for the brave truth-tellers who safeguard taxpayer dollars. Today, the Senate unanimously passed the long-beleaguered Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (WPEA, S. 743, as amended by the House).

We understand your staff members are currently engaged in conversations about how to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA, H.R. 4310 and S. 3254) in advance of the upcoming lame duck legislative session. To help inform your discussions, we have identified specific provisions we hope you will include in the final bill that reaches the President’s desk for signature.

As you know all too well, we live in a world where crises are unpredictable and unavoidable. Whether it is a catastrophic oil spill, an overwhelming weather event, a terrorist attack, or a major outbreak of food-borne illness, we rely on our government to help us cope.

As you know all too well, we live in a world where crises are unpredictable and unavoidable. Whether it is a catastrophic oil spill, an overwhelming weather event, a terrorist attack, or a major outbreak of food-borne illness, we rely on our government to help us cope.

The undersigned organizations and businesses write to urge completion of the landmark, decades-long legislative effort to restore credible whistleblower rights for federal employees.
We support legislation providing genuine protection for public employees who serve the American public by risking their careers to protect taxpayers. Whistleblower protection is a foundation for any change the public can trust, whether the issue relates to economic recovery, civil rights and civil liberties, prescription drug safety, environmental protection, infrastructure spending, national health insurance, or foreign policy.

A letter to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees urging them to preserve the existing statutory requirement for the Intelligence Community to prepare an annual report to Congress regarding security clearances.

We appreciate your oversight of the federal agencies that regulate the swaps and futures markets, especially in light of the massive customer losses at MF Global and Peregrine Financial Group.
As you explore opportunities for improving the regulation of these markets, we urge you to reconsider the government’s reliance on private self-regulatory organizations (SROs) such as the National Futures Association (NFA).

POGO has joined others in raising serious concerns about the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the largest self-regulatory organization (SRO) for the securities industry. FINRA’s regulatory effectiveness is undermined by its inherent conflicts of interest, its lack of transparency and accountability, its lobbying expenditures, and its executive compensation packages, among other issues. A recent analysis by the Boston Consulting Group underscored the costs associated with authorizing FINRA or a new SRO to regulate investment advisers.
For these reasons, we oppose H.R. 4624, which would authorize one or more SROs to oversee the investment adviser industry.

POGO recently released an update to our recommendations for national security savings with Taxpayers for Common Sense—Spending Even Less, Spending Even Smarter —which includes $700 billion in spending reductions. Some of those recommendations are being offered as amendments to the NDAA.

Americans are tightening their belts, and it’s time for the U.S. government to do the same. In light of the Budget Control Act of 2011 and the subsequent failure of the “Super Committee,” Congress is still desperately seeking ways to reduce spending. To this end, the Project On Government Oversight and Taxpayers for Common Sense have closely examined the proposed national security budget. We found nearly $700 billion in savings over the next ten years, including cuts to wasteful weapons systems as well as limits on out-of-control contract spending.

On behalf of the undersigned organizations concerned with government openness and accountability, we are writing to let you know of our serious concerns with sections of S.2105, the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, that create unnecessary, overbroad and unwise limitations to access of information, including broad exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and jeopardize the rights of whistleblowers.

POGO has a keen interest in contractor accountability and protecting whistleblowers who assist in uncovering and deterring government waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, and threats to public health and safety. Whistleblowing works for the public, but without strong public policy, not for the whistleblower.

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we would like to provide the following public comment regarding the Office of Government Ethics’ (OGE) “Proposed Amendments Limiting Gifts From Registered Lobbyists and Lobbying Organizations” (RIN 3209-AA04).

For more than three decades the FCPA has served as a deterrent to bribery and helped to level the playing field for law-abiding firms using solid business practices in international commerce. However, there is a misinformation campaign underway to convince Congress that a law that is not broken requires fixing.

In light of the widespread regulatory failures exposed by the recent financial crisis, we appreciate your ongoing leadership in ensuring that regulatory agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are addressing long-term structural problems that appear to have hindered their organizational and regulatory effectiveness. However, we are writing today to raise concerns about legislative proposals that would needlessly complicate the SEC’s current initiatives to implement crucial reforms throughout the agency.

We appreciate your leadership in considering possible reforms to the existing regulatory regime for investment advisers, especially in the aftermath of a financial crisis that continues to wreak havoc on retail investors across the nation. However, we are writing today to raise concerns about recently proposed reforms that would potentially delegate governmental authority to an industry-funded self-regulatory organization for the investment adviser industry.

It is particularly a pleasure to be here during the 6th Annual “Sunshine Week” when we promote open government and celebrate the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which for nearly 45 years has been a cornerstone of open government and a hallmark of our democracy. Even as we enjoy a presidential administration and a Congress that embrace the ideal of open government, it is difficult to put into practice.

The Project On Government Oversight (POGO) provides the following public comment on the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) “Proposed Guidance on Appointment of Lobbyists to Federal Boards and Commissions” (75 Fed. Reg. 67397, November 2, 2010). The proposed rule seeks input from interested parties on OMB’s final guidance regarding the implementation of a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Obama on June 18, 2010, which directs executive departments and agencies not to appoint or re-appoint any federally registered lobbyists to advisory committees, boards, or commissions (hereinafter “committees”). As an independent watchdog that champions good government reforms, POGO supports any efforts to limit the pervasive influence of special interests on federal advisory committees, which have been called the “fifth arm of government” because of the powerful role they play in advising agencies, Congress, and the President on a wide range of public policy issues.

POGO has a keen interest in ensuring that the public has a way of holding our nation’s financial regulatory agencies accountable for protecting the interests of taxpayers, investors, and consumers. We are deeply concerned about Section 929I of the Dodd-Frank Act, which would provide the Securities and Exchange Commission with an unnecessary and overly broad exemption to FOIA and a blanket authority to withhold public records.

A weakened version of the USA Freedom Act unanimously passed through the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and reportedly was approved today by the House Permanent Committee on Intelligence—clearing the way for the bill to be debated on the House Floor.

Last June, we learned that the U.S. government was spying on Americans. Since then, we have learned much more, such as that the NSA’s bulk collection of Americans’ communications by Americans has not been essential to preventing terrorist attacks and that the system of oversight for intelligence activities is broken.

The American people, most Members of Congress, and even the President have been kept in the dark far too long about National Security Agency (NSA) activities that threaten some of our fundamental rights and relationships. The USA FREEDOM Act has several reforms to re-balance the checks on NSA spying.

The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is changing the laws on surveillance—but we don't know how. The text of the proposed legislation and the Committee meeting being held to discuss it are both closed to the public.

At the Data Transparency Conference this week, there was a lot of bipartisan support for proposed legislation to fix the many problems the public encounters with tracking federal spending: the Digital Accountability and Transparency (DATA) Act.

A devastating court decision Tuesday stripped federal employees of their right to appeal a personnel action—even if it is discriminatory or in retaliation for whistleblowing. This deeply flawed, activist decision arms agencies with sweeping power not granted by the president or Congress.

Transparency advocates have long called for the declassification of secret court opinions that have allowed broad domestic surveillance. A recent letter from the court responsible for approving surveillance requests casts doubt on the release of these opinions, but on questionable grounds.

The recent whistleblowing disclosures by Edward Snowden have revealed systemic mass domestic surveillance. The government has justified its programs on the grounds that they are both legal and overseen by the FISA Court. But what do the PATRIOT Act, FISA, and the FISA Court actually do?

Federal agencies are withholding information about the illegal foreclosure practices of mortgage companies from Members of Congress, relying on justifications that closely track those used to withhold documents from the general public under the Freedom of Information Act.

POGO takes a look at the Administration's self-assessment of its first year in the global Open Government Partnership. Implementation of the National Action Plan led to some encouraging steps forward, though these steps were not as bold as hoped.

POGO applauds Senator Ron Wyden for placing a hold on the Intelligence Authorization Act--problematic anti-leak provisions in the bill threaten the public's right to know and government accountability.

The new Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA Act) is a trimmed-down version of the original bill, but will still make much-needed improvements to the tools we have for tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Today, the North County Times, a paper in Representative Darrell Issa's (R-Calif.) district, published an Op-Ed by our allies at National Taxpayers Union and Liberty Coalition that makes clear they expect Rep. Issa to fulfill his promise of protections for federal whistleblowers by ensuring those whistleblowers can access the courts to hold the government accountable.

The big Pentagon contractors have been trying to scare lawmakers, the public, and the troops with dramatic claims that there will be massive job losses. Their threats to send layoff notices—right in time for the November elections—have been admonished from many corners—and are among the more desperate political stunts of recent memory.

Although the Pentagon budget has ballooned by billions in the past decade, it can’t even produce a basic financial statement. But last week, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and a bipartisan band of senators introduced a bill to fix this outrage and increase accountability at the Pentagon.

What are agencies supposed to do about WikiLeaks? We had some concerns about the directives for agencies issued in the wake of the November WikiLeaks disclosures and wrote to the administration on January 28, along with some of our allies, seeking clarification. On March 29, Jacob Lew, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) responded to our letter—but we’re still confused. And if we’re confused, then we suspect some of the agencies might be as well.

WikiLeaks killed our whistleblower protections bill—sort of. After an unbelievable roller coaster of fear and fallacies, votes on and off, and a flurry of activity, when the lights went out in the Capitol Building on December 22, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act was dead.

Four Senate Armed Services subcommittees will hold open markups this year for the annual National Defense Authorization Act, up from three last year.
Two subcommittee markups — and the full-committee markup — will remain closed.
Government watchdog groups have long urged the committee to open up its markup process, with the Project On Government Oversight and other groups launching a campaign two years ago called Open NDAA.
Still, POGO’s director of public policy, Angela Canterbury, says she hopes Levin will change his mind.
“We are still garnering support from partner organizations, but already we have a strikingly diverse coalition that agrees it’s time to shine more light on the NDAA,” she said.
And, she said, Levin’s decision not to seek reelection this fall added new urgency to the effort. “We hope to convince him to make his legacy one of openness,” she said. “The public needs more opportunities to participate in crafting this critical bill.”

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Founded in 1981, the Project On Government Oversight is a nonpartisan independent watchdog that champions good government reforms. POGO’s investigations into corruption, misconduct, and conflicts of interest achieve a more effective, accountable, open, and ethical federal government.